Finding Polaris in the Future Regulation of the UK Space Industry (SCuLE Policy Brief No 2)

Naomi Hawkins;
Mathilde Pavis;
Kubo Mačák;
Hitoshi Nasu

The UK space technology industry is essential for the growth of the UK economy, being vital in particular to communications and national security, and the legal framework within which this industry develops is important to its growth. This policy brief sets out key policy issues in building robust legal frameworks to support the space industry and businesses in the UK. We argue that further research and legislative development is needed in the UK to allow the space industry to flourish in an internationally competitive environment.

This policy brief is based on the discussion among legal practitioners, academics and space industry experts that took place in Truro, Cornwall, on 5 June 2019. It arises from a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, IAA Business Boost Fund entitled “Seeking out a new frontier of research at the intersection of space law, intellectual property and space technology”. The project team is Dr Naomi Hawkins, Dr Mathilde Pavis, Dr Kubo Macak and Professor Hitoshi Nasu.